You could play with fake grass; have a look at this thread and see what they've done: https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/balcony-makeover-dsvw-vd~534450 The beauty of the fake grass is that you don't have to lay it like a carpet, you can cut it any way you like or just have some under your bistro table and chairs as a 'green rug'. I had fun with it in my back garden; the space was too small to have a lawn (last 2 photos). Bought the astro-turf in B&Q (£15/sqm) - so far it behaved quite well :)) Hope this helps. Good luck!

We build many roof terraces and dress London balconies for our clients. Depending on the size, we have had tiny spaces which are used for a cosy realaxing area to large spaces which can fit in outdoor dining areas with pergolas, waterfeatures and even Spa Jacuzzis. What ever the space you will extend the feeling of your indoors with clever lighting that you can enjoy year out during the cold winter month as a stunning back drop view.

Good idea to think options - deflection or reduction. Trying to deflect the wind is tricky, the roller idea sounds fine but I agree with the other comment - it's a sail and our experience is not positive. Plus you'll get eddies or capture the wind when in the wrong direction. Why not complement your bamboos with screening from the same material. Or reeds. You can cut it easily (rolled up if you want to reduce height) or wire snips for length. Very cheap and you can paint it to suit. This will do well on the absorption and you can always double layer it on the prevailing wind face. To break up wind flow further in height terms - I'd go for palm in a barrel. Leaves are designed to to give in the wind but there are enough to break up the flow. Scaffold net will give you greater than 80% absorption so effectively it's a screen with disadvantages above. It will flap noisily unless you tie it in multiple places. Your cube an be held down firmly with hessian sandbags, inside and attached with elastic cord. Good luck! Iain

Do your research first. How long do you intend to live there and how much value would an enclosed large space add to the property? What have the neighbours done? How much are equivalent apartments selling for? If you will end up with the most expensive apartment in the block because of the extension then it might take longer to sell if you need to. It depends on a lot of factors.